N E W S A N D i n f o r m a t i o n f o r C Ons t r u c t i o n e x ec u t i v es
www.constructiondigital.com
December 2010
To improve efficiency and save money, more construction professionals rely on the cloud
Green Innovations
Rio in Development
Renovation Challenges
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THE CONSTRUCTION CREW Editorial
eric johnson editorial director > E-mail Me mailto:e.johnson@whitedm.com
Matt Johnson Group art director > E-mail Me
editor-in-chief laura clapper Associate Editors john t. connelly, andrea marino, laura canter, nadia ibanez, michaela mcnamara
Design
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THIS IS NOT A HAMMER. It’s actually a steel alloy stronger than any of its combined elements. Similar to how we’re more than accountants. We’re a partner-driven accounting network with over 1,000 offices in over 100 countries. BDO. More than you think. BDO is proud to partner with clients like the Penticton Indian Band to encourage growth and strength in our communities. Assurance | Accounting | Taxation | Advisory Services 102 – 100 Front St Penticton BC www.bdo.ca
BDO Canada LLP, a Canadian limited liability partnership, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.
BY laura clapper
Construction in the Cloud Cloud computing has been embraced by the construction industry as a way to improve communication on projects where many participants are involved. Documents, plans and invoices associated with the project are accessible to project participants in real time through an Internet connection on a laptop, tablet or Smartphone. This month, we delve into the cloud and learn why industry leaders rely on it to effectively manage projects and save money. In this issue, we reveal the latest innovative green materials, the top projects putting Rio on the map for sustainable urban renewal and the shift from home building to home renovations. Finally, don’t miss the great company reports about industry leaders from around the world.
Laura Clapper
editor-in-chief > l.clapper@whitedm.com
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QUOTE OF THE ISSUE
“Cloud solutions have also contributed to better collaborative designs, less waste and less cost” Colin Smith, CEO of BIW Technologies
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contributors
Paul Hodgson Business Development Manager at Bachy Soletanche
Walker M. Duke Attorney and Founder of Duke Law Office, P.C.
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DECember Breaking Ground
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Architectural Design
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Under Construction
FEATURES 10 News The latest news and analysis from the past month 14 Breaking Ground Vietinbank’s New HQ to Provide Style, Energy Efficiency 16 Green Giants Taking UK flood relief to the next level 18 City Planner Eco-Development Opens Doors in England 20 Risk Management Avoiding Litigation through Contract Drafting 22 Architectural Design Adventures in Renovating 28 Innovations Cloud Computing and Construction 32 Green Building The Cutting Edge of Green Building 36 Under Construction Focus on Rio 42 Events & Tradeshows Up and coming events for your diary
ASSOCIATION profiles 44 ASBA 48 CIDB www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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Metro Roof Products
Hardwoods Inc
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Joe Funk Construction
USA 52 Metro Roof Products Providing Smart Roofing Solutions for Smart People 58 Total Facility Solutions Prepares for Global Expansion 68 City of Lewiston An All-American City 74 Newsouth Construction Supply Values Employees Above All 80 Welch & Rushe Reaps Immediate Revenue Increase by Going Back to Basics 90 Polk Mechanical Polk Mechanical Company Supports A Building Lifecycle 96 Therrien Waddell Stays Afloat During the Recession 102 Joe Funk Construction Nothing funky about it, Joe Funk Construction always...
Canada 108 ConCreate USL The Concrete Expert 114 Hardwoods Inc LEEDing Distributor of Sustainable Hardwood 120 The City of Spruce Grove Makes Community Sustainability a Top Priority 8
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Gawler Line
Schiavello Group
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Africa 126 Mammoet S.A. Leading the way in heavy lifting and transport solutions 132 Cerimele Construction Pride of Pipeline Infrastructure 138 Toro Ya Africa Building Low Cost Housing on Moral Foundations 144 Roshqott Passionate About Power
australasia 150 Building Education Revolution Best Practice Schools Projects in... 156 Tiger Brennan Drive Extension Largest infrastructure in Northern Territory... 164 Manukau Motorway Link Leighton Works Delivers Manukau Motorway... 170 Gawler Gawler Line Revitalisation Project On Track in Adelaide 180 Tagara Growth Through Values, Service and Technology 188 Schiavello Group Schiavello Building Strong Client Foundations on Experience... 194 Kempsey Bypass Kempsey Bypass, Upgrading the Pacific Highway www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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Plans Unveiled for China’s Sky City, the World’s 2nd Largest Tower Following the August opening of the 74 story China World Tower, the tallest building in Beijing, China has set its sights on the construction of Sky City, which will be the 2nd tallest building in the world when complete. The Changsha Broad Air Conditioning Company has unveiled designs for the 200-story Sky City tower, a
sustainable mixed use project. At 666 meters tall, the building will house 1.2 million square meters of space for residential apartments, retail, offices, restaurants, schools and a myriad of other facilities. The building will be manufactured in a factory and assembled on the construction site. Additionally, the tower will have the capacity for 70,000 to 110,000 residents.
NJ Governor Rejects $8.7B Train Tunnel Project Republican Governor of New Jersey,Chris Christie killed an $8.7 billion train tunnel project that would run from New Jersey to New York City. The tunnel is designed to increase efficiency of the existing twotrack tunnel, which reached capacity several years ago. The project is one of America’s largest public works projects with $3 billion in funding coming from the Federal government and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It would have created an estimated 6,000 jobs during construction and 40,000 when complete in 2018. Christie rejected the tunnel due to public debt concerns. 10
Leadenhall “Cheese Grater” Skyscraper Secures Funding
British Land has announced a 50 : 50 joint venture deal with Oxford Properties for the development of the 610,000 square foot Leadenhall Building, or “Cheese Grater.” Estimated costs for the structure are
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
£340 million. The building, designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, will stand at 736 feet making it one of the tallest buildings in the City of London. The building will house office, retail and leisure space and a fully landscaped public area on four floors of the building. The construction process will commence following the tender process in January 2011. The core and shell of the Cheese Grater is expected to be complete in 2014 during Q2.
construction
BUSINESS NEWS
Google on Verge of $2B NYC Property Deal Rumors abound concerning Google’s $2 billion bid to purchase an 18-story building located on 111 Eight Avenue in New York City. The building, which expands over a city block, is located in the Chelsea neighborhood. Google’s New York office has occupied part of the 2.9 million square foot building since 2001. The Wall Street Journal reports that the company began to rent space in the building across the street in 2008.
The Internet giant has been looking to expand its east coast operations for some time. The acquisition would allow the offices to operate under one roof with plenty of space for growth.
UK’s Coalition Gov’t Unveils £200B National Infrastructure Plan
NEWS IN BRIEF Billionaire Builds 27-Story $1 Billion Home Mukesh Ambani, the Richest Man in India, has built a billion dollar home, which features a movie theater, hanging gardens, underground parking and three helipads
U.S. Steel Announces $51M Q3 Loss U.S. Steel, the leading global steel producer, says loss is due to uncertainty in the North American and European Markets and say that Q4 won’t look much better
Foundation Poured on CMA Tower, Saudi Arabia’s Tallest Building
Less than a week after Prime Minister David Cameron and the Coalition Government announced severe, sweeping cuts of the government budget, they have announced a £200 billion National Infrastructure Plan designed to boost the economy and foster the growth of private enterprise. According to the Prime Minister, the plan will serve to rebuild and rebalance the economy while providing the impetus in which businesses can thrive.
Cyril Sweett announced that the foundation is complete on Saudi Arabia’s tallest skyscraper, the CMA Tower
Down Housing Industry Spurs Renovation Market The renovation sector is benefiting from a housing market crippled by strict mortgage regulations
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NEWS IN BRIEF System Could Prevent Quake Damage Seen in Haiti and Chile Civil engineers at Purdue University have devised a building indexing system to ID and reinforce seismically vulnerable structures
Scottish Construction Growth Due to Infrastructure Investment News out of Scotland revealed that the construction sector rose 10.4 percent in the second quarter of 2010, largely due to government investment in infrastructure projects.
Construction Begins on “Walkie Talkie” Tower Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group team up to bring the Walkie Talkie at 20 Fenchurch in London to life
Skanska to Develop Oslo Renewal Project Skanska and Ferd Eiendom will develop the Tiedemannsbyen residential project in Oslo, Norway
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Can Home Builders Survive Millennial Trends?
GWL Realty Advisors released a study this week about trends in home ownership that concluded people, particularly the younger generation, have little interest in a house with a white picket fence, opting instead for rented apartments close to work or public transit in a hip part of town. Instead of saving money for a down payment on a 3 bedroom split level in suburbia, families are opting to rent their dwellings and divert savings into experiences and technology. The report comes on the heels of an increase in builder confidence.
Las Vegas Vdara Hotel: Eco Panel Death Ray Burns Guest
The next time you’re at the Vdara hotel in Las Vegas, you may want to pack SFP 2000 sunscreen and plenty of aloe vera if you plan to sit poolside. A guest has complained of severe burns from the midday sun, a victim of the so-called death ray. According to reports, solar convergence occurs when the midday sun hits the crescent-shaped south façade of the hotel concentrating intense rays over a 15 foot area
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
of the pool area for the period of an hour. Guests are encouraged to avoid the area during that time, unless they want to look extra crispy.
construction
BUSINESS NEWS
Beijing Reveals Plans for Tongzhou New City Beijing hopes that Tongzhou will push the metropolitan area to the center stage. Tongzhou, a 3.4 square mile city with a population of over a million consists of eleven villages and towns and is the third richest city in China. Though historically a land-and-water transportation hub, plans have been unveiled to create a new, multifunctional city over the next decade, one that is more than just a satellite city of Beijing. Construction has begun in some parts of the
In Housing, Moving Toward A New Normal Though home sales grew 10 percent in September according to the National Association of Realtors, many fear the housing market is far from recovery. Experts also fear that the foreclosure crisis could have an effect on future home sales, should lawsuits arise from former homeowners. News of increased home sales comes on the heels of the announcement that Toll Brothers, Inc. has replaced its $1.89 billion banking facility with an $885 million credit facility. The new facility has the ability to expand its credit to a maximum of $2.0 billion under the appropriate conditions.
city. A key tenet of the Tongzhou New City will be sustainable development. Developers are focused on the concepts of low carbon, efficiency and sustainability.
US DOT Awards TIGER II Grants for Transportation, Construction and Planning Projects The United States Department of Transportation announced $585 million in grants to fund 75 construction and planning projects in California, Texas, Georgia and Washington State. A total of 42 capital
grants and 33 planning projects have been awarded as part of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery Act (TIGER II) program, created by the stimulus package. One-third of the grants award to planning projects were combined with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants to encourage the creation of “livable communities.� According to reports, projects in major metropolitan areas received a large share of the funding.
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Laura Clapper
Vietinbank’s New HQ to Provide
Style, Energy Efficiency Foster+Partners has broken ground on the Vietinbank Business Center, a $400M mixed use development in Vietnam In 2014, anyone searching to find the Vietinbank Business Centre in the Hanoi skyline will need only look for the structure whose towers form a “V.” Located in the new urban center of Hanoi called Ciputra in the Tay Ho District and designed by Foster + Partners, the US$400 million Vietinbank project broke ground in October and is intended to mark Vietnam’s emergence as a center for international finance on par with New York, London and Tokyo. The Vietinbank Towers will consist of over 300,000 square-meters of mixed-use development space. The 68-story, 363 14
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
meter V-shaped tower, the taller of the two, will serve as the headquarters of Vietnam’s largest banking company, Vietinbank. The smaller tower, which will rise 48-storys or 250 meters, will accommodate a five-star hotel, spa and residences. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2014. The project is designed to incorporate s eve r a l c u t t i n g - e d g e e nv i r o n m e n t a l features that comply with the region’s climate, including a low-energy desiccant wheel. According to Foster + Partners, “The system draws in humidity, separating the water from the atmosphere and
Breaking Ground
Foster + Partners
exhaling hot, dry air, which can then be cooled by ground water and released back into the buildings.” The design allows for projecting fins that create a serrated façade to provide shade. “This is an exciting moment for the practice, as we break ground on our first project in Vietnam,” said Mouzhan Majidi, CEO of Foster + Partners in a statement in October. “Our design is a sustainable response to the climate and traditions of Hanoi and the tower will have an important symbolic presence – Vietinbank will rise above the surrounding buildings to be one
Foster + Partners
of the first landmarks you see at the gateway to the city.” The Design team consists of project management by Turner Construction, structural engineering by Halvorson and Partners, mechanical engineering READ MY by David Stillman Associates BLOGS and consultation services by Visit Website Davis Langdon and Seah and Vinaconex R+D.
Laura Clapper, Editor-in-Chief, Construction Digital > l.clapper@whitedm.com
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Paul Hodgson
Taking UK flood relief to the
next level Trenchmix has provided flood protection to sites throughout the UK, France and Switzerland New developments in the UK often come at a slower rate than in other parts of Europe and we’re also often slower at embracing new techniques, even when we know they have been successful abroad. This might be down to us Brits being more nervous about new technologies and machinery, especially in the field of ground engineering and construction, but is hopefully something we are going to see change in the years to come. Over the last five years Bachy Soletanche have been working in partnership with Mastenbroek to develop a new, patented technique, on UK soil, to provide an alternative and economical solution to installing “cut16
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
off” walls for flood waters and water born contamination. This is now being used for the first time for flood defence works in the UK as part of a broader £51 million Nottingham Left Bank Flood Alleviation Scheme for Jackson Civil Engineering and the Environment Agency. The ‘Trenchmix’ machine has recently arrived from construction projects in France and Switzerland and is currently helping provide flood protection at a site of special scientific interest in Attenborough in Nottingham, which is host to a nature reserve. The Trenchmix process involves the construction, below ground, of an impermeable cut-off wall comprising soil mixed with a
Green Giants
binding agent. The need to prevent seepage is really important at Attenborough because the ground is highly permeable and the nature reserve features a number of lakes hosting many species of water fowl, flora and fauna. This means that, unless measures are taken to prevent it, the weight of floodwater could drive it underneath the floodwall towards sensitive areas behind the defences. The Environment Agency chose the new method because it understood the need to create a ‘seepage cut-off’ (an impermeable barrier below ground level) to prevent this from happening. The Trenchmix process minimises the amount of land it needs to use,
reduces disturbance to people and wildlife and, at the same time, is able to work safely alongside high voltage electric cables and major railway lines. So a new innovation in the world of flood relief - let’s hope that it takes off over here, as READ MY well as it has done in Europe, BLOGS and that it’s just the first of a Visit Website string of new developments we see in the industry.
Bachy Soletanche Limited is one of the UK’s leading geotechnical specialists with a reputation for quality and innovation within the field of foundation and underground engineering. www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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Laura Clapper
EcoDevelopment
Opens Doors in England Technology, smart design and local labor meet in the new Greenhouse mixed-use development in Leeds, England Relax in a green living room
A new low carbon development has opened its doors in the English city of Leeds. Developed by Citu, Greenhouse is a mixed use development, consisting of 166 studio to three bedroom homes, 17,000 square feet of work space and leisure space. It’s designed to use technology, smart design and locally sourced products to complement the surrounding environment. The development features wind turbines to generate energy for common areas, solar panels to heat water and an 80 meter borehole that is able to tap into underground water storage. An innovative component of the development is 18
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the heat exchange system that transfers excess heat between apartments and offices to save energy and eliminates the need for radiators and storage heaters. The system, which consists of a network of heat pipes, is able to store excess heat from the offices during the day for use by the residents in the evening. Each apartment is outfitted with solid bamboo flooring, energy and water efficient fixtures, temperature sustaining insulation and 100 percent British wool carpets and recycled underlay. Water from the sinks and showers, in addition to water from a rainwater catchment system, is repurposed
city planner
Generating Power for residents
to flush the toilet, saving over three Olympic swimming pools of water per year. Additionally, the British manufactured kitchens were built by locals. As a result of smart design and innovative technology, Greenhouse’s carbon emissions are 65 percent less than those targeted by the government. Residents can enjoy energy bills that are 60 percent cheaper than the standard. In addition, they can monitor their energy and water usage through a television accessible tracking system. “This property proves that gone are the days when going eco meant you had to do without.
We’re all about making it easier for people to live a sustainable life,” says Fraser Stride, Marketing Director of Citu. “It’s the blend of technology and use of natural resources that makes this development really work. A huge challenge was to reduce energy READ MY BLOGS consumption but increase the Visit standard of living and this made it Website a very exciting project “
Laura Clapper, Editor-in-Chief, Construction Digital > l.clapper@whitedm.com
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Walker M. DUKE
Avoiding Litigation through
Contract Drafting Consistent contract drafting will keep you from fighting the same disputes in both arbitration and litigation Opinions on arbitration as an alternative to traditional litigation vary widely. There are certainly benefits and drawbacks to both forms of dispute resolution. Prudent contractors should decide which forum is appropriate for each project and make sure all contracts within that job are consistent. A general contractor enters into a building contract with the owner. The owner insists on an arbitration clause through which all disputes between the GC and owner will be sent to arbitration. With the prime contract in place, the GC executes contracts with subcontractors. Since these subcontracts are for smaller dollar amounts, they are simpler, more form-based, and do not include arbitration agreements. 20
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
Things are going well until a subcontractor makes a mistake, which will add three weeks of delay. By the time this mistake has been corrected and is ready for inspection, the engineer has gotten extremely busy and cannot make it to the project site for the inspection for another two weeks. Weather delays inspection by another week. The project is now six weeks off schedule. The owner is upset at the delay, the GC is upset with the subcontractor for getting the project off schedule, and the subcontractor is not happy because the GC withheld payments because of their delay. Suddenly, the GC has been sued by the subcontractor for payments, and the owner has begun arbitration proceedings to recover delay damages. Though the GC would
risk management
like to consolidate these disputes, the owner has a valid arbitration clause and refuses to go into traditional litigation, and the GC cannot force the subcontractor out of court and into arbitration. The GC is left fighting two battles at twice the cost, twice the time, and twice the headache. At some point, every contractor will have a project that involves both upstream and downstream disputes. So how can a company avoid being torn in two directions? The key is through good planning at the contracting stage. Have a careful eye to the dispute resolution forums in contracts. If the contract is silent on this issue, then any dispute will be litigated through the courts. If there is a valid arbitration agreement, then disputes will likely
be determined by an arbitrator. To prevent being dragged into both arbitration and litigation at the same time, make sure all contracts on a project are consistent on the dispute resolution forum. If one contract has an arbitration clause, make sure all contracts contain a similar provision. Conversely, if the upstream contract makes no mention of arbitration READ MY (meaning litigation would BLOGS be the dispute resolution Visit Website forum), keep your downstream contracts silent as well.
Walker M. Duke, Attorney and Founder of Duke Law Office, P.C. > wduke@dukelawpc.com.
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architectural design
Adventures in Re
Aw imp and
Wr 22
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enovating
weak housing market combined with home provement loans have driven homeowners d contractors towards the renovation sector
ritten by Laura Clapper
Regardless of the state of the economy, home renovations are always popular. Homeowners are inspired to renovate for many reasons: television shows, a magazine spread featuring a celebrity’s home, envy of a neighbor’s new kitchen or simply to increase the value and salability of the home when the housing market recovers. This time around, the sad state of the American housing market has resulted clients looking for a deal and inexperienced builders looking to supplement income normally earned in the new home market. Welcome to the Wild West of home improvement.
TRENDS
According to Roger Krost of ConSpec Building Systems,”People are looking for more high return projects.” Kitchens have always made for popular renovation projects, regardless of 24
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whether the homeowner is an aspiring gourmet chef or just wants to look like one. Kitchen projects add to the total value of the home as well as enhance the comfort and general happiness of the homeowner, in many cases. Green updates have also gained popularity over the last five years. From low flow toilets to the installation of energy efficient electrical systems, more homeowners are looking to save money and environment through financial rebates and other incentives offered by cities and municipal utility districts.
ECONOMIC SHIFT
The economic recession that hit the world at the end of 2008 negatively affected home values. When the mortgage market froze as a result of the credit crisis, many homeowners turned to improving their homes instead. As home improvement loans became easier to qualify
architectural design
for than a mortgage, homeowners lined up to take advantage. As a result, homeowners have become savvy hagglers over services, including renovations. Whereas a few years ago, a homeowner renovating his home may not give a second glance to an invoice, today’s homeowner is going over every line item to ensure that he’s getting the best deal for his cash.
“ Word-of-mouth was fine—we had more work than we could handle. Now we have to reach out more,” Roger Krost of ConSpec Building Systems
ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
Though one might assume that renovators are flush with work right now, it’s often not the case. Many companies that specialized in new home construction prior the collapse of the housing market have transitioned into the renovation market, much to the chagrin of experienced renovation companies.
To compete in the flooded market, Krost’s company has increased its advertising budget as well as focused efforts on direct mail and an SEO-enhanced website. ConSpec is not alone; other experienced renovators who had relied on word-of-mouth advertising for decades are now devising complete marketing campaigns for their services. “Word-of-mouth was fine—we had more work than we could handle,” says Krost. “Now we have to reach out more.” www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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Melamine Panels
Naturally Inspiring Design
˙˙˙ʎ˖˃ˈˋ˕˃ʎ˅˃
architectural design
RENOVATION CHALLENGES
When describing the difference between the renovation and new home building markets, Krost uses the analogy of a business suit. “You could say that serving the new construction client is like having a new suit custom tailored for that client,” he says. “[For] the renovation client, [it’s like] custom tailoring that suit while the client is wearing it. Everything’s a challenge—you don’t know what’s in the walls.” Renovations are rife with surprises. While some are great—cherry wood floors hidden under a layer of shag carpeting or original woodwork hiding under plaster sheathing—others are nightmares that lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Structural changes, antiquated pipes, asbestos, lead paint and damage from termites and other vermin are just the tip of the iceberg of what contractors can uncover in a given renovation. To experienced renovators, these surprises come with the territory.
The influx of inexperienced renovators into the market combined with homeowners seeking the best deal has put renovation companies in a tough spot. In the bidding war for work, former new home builders are more apt to bid low to win a job. “What you want to do is have a happy medium,” says Krost. “You don’t want to over bid and lose the client and you don’t want to under bid knowing that there’s likely to be problems down the road. You try to include a cushion [but] that’s very challenging in this climate.” This cushion eases the homeowner’s additional costs, which are guaranteed to occur once work has begun. more In today’s renovation market, articles the adage “You get what Visit THE TRUE COST OF A ‘DEAL’ you pay for” rings true for Website Think $7,000 for a kitchen remodel is deal? many homeowners. Wait until the end of the project when you’ve been billed an additional $6,000 to take care of For feedback and comments please get in touch. a hidden mold problem. A deal? Not so much. > feedback@whitedm.com www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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&
Cloud Computing
construction
To improve efficiency and save money, more construction professionals rely on the cloud Written by Laura Clapper
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December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
innovations
The construction industry isn’t known as a technological pioneer. Cloud computing turned this theory on its head. In fact, investing in the cloud has allowed contractors to improve communication with project participants, share drawings and documents and ensure that everyone is on the same page through a simple Internet connection. In short, cloud computing, specifically Software-as-aService (SaaS) has allowed the construction industry to efficiently manage projects and save money over the long run.
DRIVING FACTORS
SaaS seems tailor-made for the construction industry, where projects require that multiple parties have access to information at any given time. In the past, documentation, invoices and plans would be sent to project participants via a courier. If changes were made, new information was sent to the participants with the amendments. Not only is this inefficient, but it also wastes tons of paper and creates confusion. SaaS allows project participants to have access to real-time changes. “The key factors
for BIW have always been appropriateness, flexibility, availability and speed of deployment; it essentially means we supply the most suitable approaches to best suit the specific individual needs of our clients,” says Colin Smith, CEO of BIW Technologies. “Our project control platform provides secure Internet access to unite asset owners, contractors and consultants. By providing this content on a SaaS basis, real time access and availability provides all parties with the document management, collaboration and contract management tools they need to improve decisions, reduce conflict and ensure projects are successfully delivered.”
BENEFITS
According to Smith, “A real SaaS is perfect for construction project teams as it is light and agile, plus it can be rented on a short-term basis, just like an item of plant.” The contractor or owner can decide which of the project participants can access information and, often their level of security on the project. Since SaaS and cloud computing are new, it can be difficult to sort through the many www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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THE OSTOJIC GROUP
The Ostojic Group is an Australian specialist contracting and service group incorporating civil engineering, transport, quarrying and construction materials. It is a privately owned family company and offers a comprehensive range of services to support all of your transport, earthmoving and civil project requirements. As a member of the CCF and Australian Trucking Association, the Ostojic Group is able to quote on hire of almost all earthmoving and plant equipment. CLIENTS OF THE OSTOJIC GROUP INCLUDE: s STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS s LOCAL COUNCILS s CIVIL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES s MINING COMPANIES s MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
CONTACT OSTOJIC 4723 Tivendale Rd Berrimah Northern Territory 0828 Australia Email: reception@ostojic.com.au Phone: 08 8999 9999 Web: www.ostojic.com.au
innovations offerings to find legit and reliable programs. “With a decent website that is incredibly cheap and easy to run, suppliers can present an impressive façade to clients, consultants and contractors,” says Smith. “Once you’ve bought into the façade, they can sign you up against exacting SLA terms, and then disappear when things go awry.”
SECURITY
“ Cloud solutions have also contributed to better collaborative designs, less waste and less cost”
Colin Smith, CEO of BIW Technologies
Executives in other industries have been hesitant to adopt cloud computing solutions due to security concerns. These concerns are wellfounded. Smith warns that many new vendors mix client data and host the software with vendors that may not have the client’s security in mind. “This makes is easy for small, poorly financed, poorly resourced vendors to create attractive and low-priced SaaS products,” he says. You get what you pay for—if you purchase a cheap SaaS product for your multi-million dollar project don’t be surprised when your confidential plans and documents show up in a Google search. BIW Technologies, as well as other companies from Microsoft to Oracle, have invested in secure infrastructure application architecture to help ensure that confidential client data stays that way. According to Smith, BIW uses single databases for each client and unique URLs for individual clients and projects. Additionally, the company undergoes reviews and external audits to continually improve its product and maintain the security of its clients.
SaaS PROGRAMS
Contractors and project owners can choose sof tware from
established, industry-focused companies, such as Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, BIW Technologies, BuildTopia and Jonas, who deliver cloud-based construction management software to help contractors control and access every aspect of the project. These companies offer programs that are fully integrated and offer the flexibility to comply with the needs of the project owner or contractor.
FUTURE IMPACT
The construction industry has proven that cloud technology and SaaS programs are an effective way to manage large and smallscale construction projects, where multiple participants are common. Managing the project in the cloud saves on printing and shipping costs and guarantees that all participants have critical information when they need it. “The overall impact of cloud solutions is very positive, which is evident in the ability of our clients to improve visibility and auditabilty. Cloud solutions have also contributed to more better collaborative articles designs, less waste Visit and less cost,” Website says Smith.
Colin Smith, CEO of BIW Technologies
For feedback and comments please get in touch.
> feedback@whitedm.com
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green building
The
cutting edgeof
Green BUILDING
The latest innovative tools and green materials that will enhance your next green building project Written by Laura Clapper
As green building continues to expand throughout the construction industry, new technologies are springing up to meet the needs of owners and contractors. Construction Digital has comprised a list of some of the top innovative technologies in green building today.
MÁLAMA COMPOSITES
The composites used in construction are an environmental nightmare—they emit VOCs that lower indoor air quality and develop mold problems from water absorption. Málama Composites has created AinaCore™, a natural oil polyols (NOP)-based foam core insulation with twice the R-value efficiency of traditional Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam of the same density and thickness. The composites 32
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
Deck made recycled ca
don’t absorb water or off gas chemicals. The company didn’t set out to make foam for the construction industry—they developed the foam as a greener alternative to the foam used for surfboards. “We just happened to be making a good foam and it just happened to be good for the construction industry,” says Ned McMahon, President and CEO of Málama Composites. Though the foam meets ICC and BOCA requirements for use in the United States, it’s being used more in Mexico. According to McMahon, the American economy combined with the slower approach to green building has led the company to take on more projects in Mexico. “We’ve started to do a lot in green building, but it’s all across the border,” he says.
e from arpet fiber
NYLOBOARD
“ We just happened to be making a good foam and it just happened to be good for the construction industry`”
Designed to resemble wood, Nyloboard is comprised of 100 percent recycled carpet fiber. Nyloboard is rot, moisture and mold resistant and, unlike wood, termites don’t consider Nyloboard a delicious snack. Additionally, Nyloboard Ned McMahon, President and CEO is formaldehyde-free and does not contain Chromated Copper of Málama Composites Arsenate (CCA) or Creosote, making it a healthier alternative to traditional wood building materials. A fully of the carpet industry. As a result of this close versatile product, it can be finished in a myriad of proximity, Nyloboard has access to the recycled ways to meet the needs of your project. carpet fibers used in their products, further Nyloboard is manufactured in Georgia, reducing transportation costs associated with near Dalton, which is considered the center the manufacture of the product. www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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green building ECOTECH ROOF SYSTEMS
Developed by a team of engineers, the EcoTech Roof panels are not made of wood, clay, asphalt or concrete. Instead, they consist of environmentally friendly and non-halogenated materials, making them the ideal choice for homeowners who wish to save energy, reduce costs and enhance the aesthetics and value of the home. The panels are 100 percent Nu-Shake roof recyclable and produce no manufacturing waste. For contractors and and plants are more likely to use the latest builders, EcoTech panels are lightweight, easy equipment on the market. to install and durable. EcoTech has two lines of roofing panels. SUBARU ALLNu-Slate consists of a thick, durable alternative SEASON ENGINE to natural slate. Nu-Shake replicates the look of Though it may not be a building material cedar panels without the wood. The panels are per se, Subaru has developed an all-season resistant to high winds, earthquakes and fires. engine designed specifically for multi-season equipment such as lawn and turf seeders, ZINC METAL PANELS log splitters and chippers. The 9-horsepower Due to its durability and sustainable benefits, engine does not have to be adjusted for the more builders are choosing zinc as their weather conditions as it maintains a constant preferred architectural metal. Zinc doesn’t balance between cooling and heating, rust or corrode like other traditional metals allowing it to operate in temperatures from such as iron and steel. Additionally, it requires 20 degrees below zero (Fahrenheit) to 140 little upkeep, improving its appearance degrees. This patent-pending technology through continual exposure to the elements. cools the engine, allows for airflow and has an As a structural material, zinc can last several anti-icing mechanism and guards. centuries under the right climate conditions. Fur ther, the engine meets more Unlike many other metals, zinc is found in EPA and CARB emission articles abundance all over the world. Its extraction r e g u l a t i o n s , m a k i n g i t Visit process is one of the least invasive of metals, greener than other engines on Website avoiding controversial strip mining altogether. the market. The processing of zinc is much more sustainable than with other metals: emissions For feedback and comments please get in touch. are comparatively low and non-energy intensive > feedback@whitedm.com www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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Museu do Amanh達
rio
Under Construction
Focus on
Sustainable urban renewal projects promise to catapult Rio to center stage for Earth Summit, the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics Written by Laura Clapper
The host of the 2012 United Nations’ region’s rich history and environment and inspire Rio+20 Earth Summit, the 2014 FIFA World the design of similar sustainable projects both in Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, Rio de Brazil and abroad. Janeiro, Brazil is getting ready for the global spotlight with a $14.4 billion urban revitalization MUSEU DO AMANHÃ program. Plans dedicate $11.5 billion Designed by world renowned architect of the funds to build and upgrade Santiago Calatrava, the Museu do infrastructure to accommodate the Amanhã—Museum of Tomorrow—is increasing population. part of the $2.8 billion “Marvelous Completion Revitalization doesn’t stop at Port” revitalization project on Rio’s Date: aquario infrastructure. The projects planned historic Pier Maua waterfront. & museu do amanhã for Rio will serve as iconic symbols It’s also part of the urban of the city skyline that capture the development plans proposed to
2012
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Under Construction
Ciudade Suspensa
the International Olympic Committee during and cultural heritage, the vast forests, beautiful the 2016 Olympic bidding process. "The landscapes and most of all the spirit of the Museum of Tomorrow perfectly matches the people," said Santiago Calatrava, designer genius of this amazing Spanish architect and of the Museum of Tomorrow in a statement. the soul that is present in Rio's harbor area. I'm Calatrava designed the structure to reflect the sure that the museum will serve as a milestone ecology of the natural environment, comparing in the revitalization of that area and the the elements of the design to a flower in whole city," said Eduardo Pes, Mayor the way they move and change. The of Rio de Janeiro in a statement. steel roof features photovoltaic The 134,549 square foot panels that move with the sun, museum touts a cantilevered roof rainwater is filtered for plumbing cost of and faรงade that move and extend uses and the museum will pump aquario down the pier and into the bay. and filter water from the bay "Brazil's magical ambiance radiates for use in the cooling system in through Rio de Janeiro's rich past the galleries. Developers of the
$60 million
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Museu do AmanhĂŁ
museum will seek LEED certification from the $60 million AquaRio will be the largest aquarium Green Building Council Brasil. in Latin America and home to more than 12,000 animals, including penguins, sharks and fresh AQUARIO and saltwater species. The structure will feature a Designed by Horace Alcides Azevedo of Alhora 3.7 million liter tank, 42 tanks located throughout Associates Architects, the two-story the aquarium and species-specific 290,000 square foot AquaRio will tanks. AquaRio will provide museum, be located in Rio near Guanabara convention center, retail and dining Bay on the site of a warehouse opportunities as well as promote for Cibrazem. As per building environmental and ecological cost of requirements, contractors must initiatives and biodiversity. MUSEU DO preserve the integrity of the AMANHĂƒ existing building. CIDADE SUSPENSA When complete in 2012, the Arguably the most unique structure
$49 million
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December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
Under Construction
Aquario
planned for Rio is the Cidade Suspensa, or Suspended City. Designed by Americans Coolie Calahan and Charles Johnson, the proposed structure brings mixed use development to a whole new level. The structure, which resembles a wave, is supported by two anchor pylons to reduce the footprint of the building on the land. Not only do plans include a marketplace, residences and green space, but they also include independent energy generation, biomass generators, water recycling and greywater reuse, waste composting and an internal transportation system. In short, the building will be a sustainable city erupting from
Rio’s waterfront and an innovative alternative to favelas in the city. The shape of the structure itself takes advantage of Rio’s climate and environment to allow full utilization of passive solutions to improve energy efficiency. Cidade Suspensa earned a Special Mention at more Evolo’s 2010 Skyscraper articles Competition. If begun, It Visit Website will be complete by the 2016 Summer Olympics.
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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december dec
02
www.sustainablebuildingshow.com www.bridgeconstructioneurope.com
dec
06
Modular Construction & Prefabrication
Houston, Texas Modular Construction & Prefabrication is set to deliver the most focused and in depth modular techniques in Houston in December. Hear leading minds and strategies from regions latest projects how to deploy specialized prefabrication techniques to reduce costs in commercial viability. > Visit Website
dec
15
Construction Superconference 2010
The Palace Hotel, San Francisco, CA The 25th Annual Construction SuperConference will bring to the forefront new insights into the legal, business, and economic challenges and opportunities in today’s construction industry. Panel discussions from top legal, consulting, and construction experts will delve deep into some of the most challenging issues, providing sharp insight and practical solutions. > Visit Website 42
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
Arc: Asia-Pacific 2010
Rasa Sayang Resort, Penang Malaysia Arc-Asia Pacific is an Innovative, one to one meetings forum and conference for Principals of Asia Pacific’s largest and most active architect firms. Proven in Europe, and North America too, Arc-Asia Pacific is a truly effective opportunity for time pressured executives to learn about important developments across the region, to network with their peers and to meet with senior directors of supplier companies. > Visit Website dec
15
ICSU 2010: First International Conference on Sustainable Urbanization
Harbour Grand Kowloon, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong This conference series is launched to provide an international forum for the international scientific/engineering community to examine these www.construindia.com challenges and to find effective solutions to ensure a sustainable process of urbanization and sustainable operation and management of urbanized areas. > Visit Website
www.big5pmv.com
construction
feb
22
http://www.bauma-china.com/
www.bridgeconstructioneurope.com
feb
22
Piling & Deep Foundations Europe
Warsaw, Poland Piling & Deep Foundations Europe 2011 brings together over 20 cases studies from recognised market leaders including Keller Polska, Arup, China Overseas Engineering Company and Bachy Soletanche to Warsaw. Learn the latest and most innovative techniques in piling, testing and ground investigations successfully implemented in practice from this premier information-sharing forum.> Visit Website
Bridges Asia 2011
Harbour Grand, Hong Kong Bridges Asia 2011 is the regional platform at which stakeholders including asset owners exchange information on new and upcoming bridge projects, financing models and legal issues, technologies on design and construction and latest techniques on maintenance. The event addresses the many challenges and opportunities presented by longer and specialty bridges in Asia. > Visit Website
www.hevac.ie
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Multisport Facility
American Sports Builders Association ASBA
American sports builders
association
Written by Mary Helen Sprecher
Times were, tracks were made of cinders or shale. Ball fields were vacant lots. And tennis courts? Paved areas in parks and schoolyards, often combined with basketball nets and crisscrossed with hopscotch lines. Unless they were made for professional competition (translation: the Olympics, Major League Baseball, the U.S. Open, etc.), many early sports facilities weren’t often built to any standard. And so it might have continued, had it not been for a group of sports facility contractors who wanted to make the industry -- and the products it built -- better. It was 1964 when the group decided there should be an organization to promulgate standards for sports facilities. They formally organized as the U.S. Tennis Court & Track Builders Association (USTC &TBA), and established construction guidelines for those two sports. Within several years, their specifications were regarded as the industry standards. The quality of facilities improved. “The more people realized that a good facility allowed athletes to perform better, the more the demand increased,” says Sam Fisher, current chairman of the association. “These
Mary Helen Sprecher Technical Writer, ASBA mailto: mhsprecher@ > E-mail Me verizon.net
days, we see high schools with track and field facilities that years ago, colleges would have died to have.” The USTC &TBA expanded, offering meetings, a membership directory and an annual awards program. It developed guidelines for sports fields as well as for indoor facilities, including field houses, gymnasiums and more. “We keep working to educate people,” says Mark Brogan, president of the association’s Tennis Division. “Our members do all kinds of construction, and they keep diversifying and expanding what they do.” In 2004, the USTC&TBA changed its name to the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), to reflect the broad scope of work performed by its members. Today, the ASBA has member companies in categories including Builder, Supplier and Professionals (architects, engineers, design professionals, etc.)
Promotion of excellence through builder certification
One of ASBA’s goals is excellence in construction. The association sponsors a voluntary certification program , allowing tennis www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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Sports Track
court, track and field builders to demonstrate their competency. The designations of Certified Tennis Court Builder (CTCB), Certified Track Builder (CTB) and Certified Field Builder (CFB) are available to those who have documented evidence of experience, and who can pass an examination on construction and maintenance of that particular facility. While certification is a voluntary process, there is an increasing awareness of the program within the marketplace, and more bid documents are mandating that the chosen company have a Certified Builder on staff. (In 2008, the Association scored a major legal victory, when in a decision by the Attorney General of Massachusetts, the AG upheld the right of a school district to require that the bidder for a track project employ an ASBA Certified Track Builder). “If you look at the quality of construction, you see that ASBA’s certification has done a tremendous job of pulling up the level of 46
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
construction expertise by the bootstraps,” says Fisher. “You also see that these days, facilities are safer for athletes than ever before.”
Information and resources to benefit the industry
The Association holds two regular meetings. Its leadership also meets with governing bodies including NCAA, IAAF, USTA and more, reviewing rules and suggesting changes to reflect current technology and best practices. ASBA ‘s publications regarded as the industry standard include the Construction and Maintenance Manual series, with different volumes on tennis, tracks, fields and indoor sports surfaces. “Something that I think the association has really helped change,” says Fisher, “is that you no longer hear people say, ‘Oh, I don’t have a multi-million-dollar benefactor; I can’t have a good facility.’ They now know it doesn’t cost more to build it right the first time. And that’s
American Sports Builders Association ASBA
TRX Long Jump
ASBA’s motto: Build it right. It helps people understand who we are and what we do.” More than 45 years after its development, the ASBA’s work has helped to standardize an industry, and to encourage excellence. Sports facilities are built better, and new technologies are constantly developed to help athletes perform better. And with childhood obesity on the rise, schools, coaches, rec directors are more are recognizing that the best (and only) way to spark interest in sports is to provide an environment that is conducive to enjoyment and performance.
Read more association profiles > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
Statistics Type: Construction trade association (not-for-profit) Location: Ellicott City, Maryland Founded: 1965 Executive Director: Fred Stringfellow, CAE Key people: Cynthia Jordan, Laura Izzo, Amy Chetelat, CAE Currency: USD No. of listings: Approximately 400 www.ustctba.org
> feedback@whitedm.com
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The CIDB promotes construction delivery capability to boost South Africa’s social and economic growth 48
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD CIDB
FOCUS ON THE CIDB The CIDB is a government entity of the Department of Public Works — we find out more THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Development Board (CIDB) is a government entity of the Department of Public Works (DPW) and reports, via its Board, to the Minister of Public Works. Established in terms of the CIDB Act 38 of 2000, the organisation is a schedule 3A entity that promotes construction delivery capability to boost South Africa’s social and economic growth, and a transformed industry that delivers to global standards of performance. The CIDB seeks to lead industry stakeholders towards improved performance in meeting construction demand and delivering best value to clients and society. The CIDB is now well established as the primary regulatory body in the construction industry, providing strategic leadership to stakeholders in the construction industry to stimulate sustainable growth, reform and development in the sector. It therefore occupies a unique position as both player and referee, fulfilling a dual mandate of providing both an enabling and supportive environment that has a developmental focus, while at the same time enforcing compliance with its legislation. While this dual responsibility may
RONNIE KHOZA CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CIDB
be ordinarily viewed as having some conflict, the CIDB is comfortable and believes it gives the organization a unique advantage to maintain a critical balance between the two responsibilities. Our experience helps us to determine when to enforce compliance, and to provide support where it is most needed in the industry. The inaugural and second boards, led by Messrs Brian Bruce and Pepi Silinga, and first CEO Mr Spencer Hodgson, were appointed in November 2001. This gives the CIDB eight years of effective establishment. As it would happen with all new organisations, the board started preparing its foundation to deliver on its mandate. This mandate is expressed through the various objects of the Act and may be summarised as follows:
The CIDB
s -UST ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A NATIONAL register of contractors (RoC) and a national register of projects ( RoP) to regulate, monitor and promote the performance of the industry for sustainable growth, delivery and empowerment. The CIDB may also establish other registers like the register www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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The Government has announced a R787 billion investment in infrastructure
of consultants, a register of suppliers and a register of manufacturers, all as national registers s 0ROMOTE IMPROVED DELIVERY MANAGEMENT capacity and the uniform application of procurement policy throughout all spheres of government s 0ROMOTE IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND BEST practice of public and private sector clients, contractors and other participants in the construction delivery process s 3UPPORT SUSTAINABLE PARTICIPATION OF THE emerging sector; and provide strategic direction and develop effective partnerships for growth, reform and improvement of the construction sector.
2EFERENCE 'ROUP AND 7HITE 0APER ALL FORMED a critical foundation leading to the CIDB as we know it today. Government had to take a careful approach to ensure the process was as inclusive as possible under the circumstances of a declining industry. There was always a firm belief that the industry decline would turn around and begin to perform again.
Construction in SA
The construction industry in South Africa has experienced a boom and performed very well over the last few years, even with the negative impact of the global financial crisis that has gripped both developed The establishment of the Ministerial Task and developing economies. Based on a 4EAM THE 'REEN 0APER THROUGH TO THE combination of luck and commitment by 50
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
CIDB
STATISTICS Type: Government Funded Location: South Africa Founded: 2000 Currency: Rands www.cidb.org.za
the South African Government, we have been blessed with an active and growing construction industry. The multi-year projects, like the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link project, and the new and renovated 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup stadia that have been under construction for a few years under tight deadlines and spread out through major cities of our country, have sustained our economy. The road network improvements linked to the stadia, public transport systems in development in major cities, various private sector projects in the form of shopping centers and commercial sites are but a few exciting opportunities we have never experienced together as a country at any one time. Government has announced its further commitment through the R787 billion
investment in infrastructure in the mediumterm. This is a large sum of money and all role players are gearing up to get a slice of this investment. While this is exciting news, Government needs to quickly break this down to projects and which tiers of Government will be responsible for spending it.
READ MORE HTTP://WWW.AFRICANBUSINESSREVIEW.CO.ZA/ASSOCIATIONS ASSOCIATION PROFILES > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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METRO ROOF PRODUCTS
Providing Smart
roofing
solutions for Smart People
Metro Roof Products develops stone-coated steel roofing solutions that withstand any climate for residents across North America Written by Andrea Marino & Produced by Brian Anderson Metro Roof Products opened its plant doors to the North American, residentialreroofing market in early 2000 for the purpose of manufacturing stone-coated steel roofing panels and accessories. “The facility, located in Oceanside, California, was designed to supply products to the North American market, which includes the U.S. and Canada,” explains VP of Sales & Marketing, Pete Croft. Though the Metro brand is global in reach, the manufacturing facilities in New Zealand and Belgium operate autonomously from the Metro Roof Products USA factory. Metro roofing panels start life as a rectangular flat sheet, which is then pressed into specific panel profiles, providing a roof system that interlocks left to right, top and bottom. The finished result is a roof that provides the look of wood shake, the scalloped low-profile of Tile, the two-piece clay highprofile Roman tile, or a flat-laminate Shingle look. The company also manufactures and distributes all necessary accessories.
“The unique thing we bring to the market is the fact that our roof material is stone coated,” says Croft. “There’s a myriad of metal roofing products in the world, but really, on a global basis, there are not a lot of companies that specialize in stone coating, putting a granular finish onto each piece of steel.” This type of product is fairly new to the North American market, though it has been prevalent in other parts of the world, like New Zealand, for over 50 years. “Metro has installations in more than 40 countries around the world,” says Croft. Stone-coated steel roofing is much desired by consumers due to its capacity to withstand nearly any climate. Plus, due to its modular shape and design, the panels are easy to handle, package and transport to any destination from one central location.
GROWING THE BUSINESS
Metro Roof Products is currently focused on growth and expansion for the business. Despite the economic downturn, some areas www.constructiondigital.com November 2010
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www.prestigesupply.com
www.ckbuildersinc.com www.businessreviewusa.com
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November 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
mailto: nvirometal@aol.com
METRO ROOF PRODUCTS supplier profile: N-Viro metal roof supply inc Country: USA Industry: Roofing Materials Provided Services: >W e are a full service
stocking distributor of Metro Stone Coated Steel roofing products in Central and South Florida.Our expertise is to help the roofing contractor with their roof take off to make sure they have all the components they need to ensure a smooth installation from start to finish with no delays.
mailto: nvirometal@aol.com > Email Us
are continuing to see promise, particularly security of knowing it will last. “Our products the Midwest, Texas and the entire Canadian carry a 50-year warranty, and homeowners can marketplace. “Those segments have strong expect a long service life,” says Croft. growth opportunities for us,” says Croft. “We are in a good place to supply to those markets SHARING EXPERTISE as well, as we just commissioned a second line, Metro Roof works closely with its granular, steel doubling the plant’s capacity.” and resin suppliers for educating its staff on M etro is also fac ed with more industry happenings. Suppliers can offer insight opportunities for growth due to its extensive into new developments or new methods for product line and array of accessories utilizing certain products. “We look toward outside designed to simplify the installation process. vendors to provide their expertise,” says Croft. “We have predesigned parts to be simple to The company utilizes its global presence install, specifically for the purpose of ease and to expand and improve upon the business as speed,” says Croft. Exposed-fastened well. If new innovations or technologies profiles allow for the panels to make it a are being developed overseas, for remain fastened to the roof deck example, the U.S.-based operation double more securely. has the option of taking advantage metro just commissioned The metal roofing industry is of the opportunity to boost its a second line, growing in popularity as customers sales potential domestically. doubling the plant’s are becoming more willing to invest Though the three organizations capacity money for roofing upfront, with the work as separate entities, in www.constructiondigital.com November 2010
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today’s connected world, information can be its customers and is truly the smartest decision. easily shared, allowing everyone to achieve the “Customers have a sea of products to choose same common goal of success. from,” says Croft. “We wanted to create the brand Metro in a way that helps elevate us above the METRO ROOF EMPLOYEES competition.” The accessories, innovative products All of the employees at Metro Roof Products and simple installation process are attributes that are highly valued and treated as part of the have made the company the success it is today. family. Staff members at this privately-held The quality standards that the company provides company enjoy working for a simple business to customers help reinforce that Metro is the with a simple philosophy. “We are committed to smart choice. making a quality product and supplying a quality service,” explains Croft. “Employees that join THE FUTURE our team want to be part of that image that we The future looks bright for Metro Roof Products, have built over the last 10-+ years in the US.” especially coming out of the recession. Their Metro has been able to make a strong focus on exposed-fastening, which provides impact in the stone-coated steel industry, while high-wind design performance and the maintaining its family atmosphere. “A lot of extensive innovative accessory lines, all help people, including our competitors, look to this to enhance performance in these trying times. company and its team with envy,” says Croft. The company’s roofing products have been proven world-wide, and provide exceptional SMART ROOFS protection against the harshest climates nature The company’s product tag-line is “Smart Roofs has to offer, withstanding high-wind, ice-dams, for Smart People™.” This message conveys the heavy-snow, hail and fire. Natural disasters high-quality roofing product Metro is able to supply offer Metro targeted areas for expansion where 56
November 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
METRO ROOF PRODUCTS brand the metro brand name exists in the us, new zealand & belgium
Statistics Name: Metro Roof Products Country: USA Est: 2000 specific climactic conditions create a need for these roofing materials—such as the fires in California, hail storms in Texas or hurricanes in Florida. “There is often always an opportunity for growth in these areas,” says Croft. The company sells its products through traditional wholesale roofing & siding distributors. “Many of our suppliers are committed to the Metro brand and in it for the long haul, irrelevant of the market economics,” says Croft. Metro continues to seek out partnerships with distribution companies who want to grow their contractor base with stone-coated steel, ensuring they too can offer a Smart Roof for Smart People™.
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website
Employees: 50 Industry: Construction Premiere Service: Roofing URL: www.metroroofproducts.com
Management CFO: Patrick Tarvaran VP of Operations / Engineering: Joeph Wilson VP Sales & Marketing: Peter Croft VP of Sales & Marketing: Pete Croft
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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Total Facility Solutions Electronics Equipment Hookup 58
December 2010 www.constructiondigital.com
total facility solutions
total facility solutions
prepares for
global
expansion
How one specialty contractor company plans to take on the world Written by Laura Canter & Produced by Brian Andersen Since its inception in 2003, Total Facility Solutions has been completing project work for several major semiconductor clients, initially in New York, and since then they’ve grown to become a multi-disciplined specialty contractor focused on the high tech marketplace. “Besides semiconductor we’ve also done work in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and science and research markets,” says Joe Cestari, President of the Company. “We’ve also done work in power plants while staying true to our high technology background, but we’re looking at adjacent and related markets and plan to stay focused on critical complex high technology and manufacturing.” Total Facility Solutions’ current projects include a major expansion at Samsung Semiconductor in Austin, TX, the University at Albany in New York, Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX, and the GLOBALFOUNDRIES facility in Malta, NY.
Facility Solutions in their efforts for continuous improvement. “We spend a lot of time on safety training, on safety culture, on everything and anything related to safety,” says Cestari. “That’s a critical piece of our business because we are working in extremely hazardous, complex environments typically and [safety is] very important.” On the quality side, the Company has implemented comprehensive quality programs. Quality leadership, much like their safety leadership, is supported by certified and trained professionals. “We have a number of degrees of certification within both of our safety and quality programs,” Cestari adds. “Those are two areas that are really not based on transactions, they’re project based. They truly represent who we are.” From a new initiatives standpoint, the Company kicked off a formal strategic planning process about six months ago to examine SAFETY AND QUALITY FIRST both bottoms up goals and strategies as From a safety and a quality standpoint, those well as superordinate goals from a market two components are very important to Total growth, technology leadership, and personnel www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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www.gfpiping.com
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supplier profile:
supplier profile:
Georg Fischer Piping Systems
NETWORK piping inc.
Country: : Headquartered in Switzerland; U.S. sales office in Tustin, CA Established Partnership: 1802 Employees: 4,736 worldwide Industry: Water Treatment, Microelectronics, Life Science, Food & Beverage, Chemical Processing Industry, Ship Building Provided Services: > Industrial & high-purity piping systems Completed Projects: >From 1/2005: 205 ME, 658 LS projects (US) On-Going Projects: >27 MicroElectronics & 114 Life Science projects (US)
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Country: USA Established Partnership: 2002 Employees: 30 Industry: Industrial Provided Services: > Industrial pipe valve and fitting supplierx
www.NETWORKPIPING.COM
total facility solutions
Total Facility Solutions Watervliet Office Staff
development standpoint. “We are striving to not only have a completely different services offering than typical in the marketplace,” explains Cestari. Joe Cestari, President of the Company “But also look at new performance techniques, whether it’s in design or execution. We’re taking a critical eye to all these results they produce. areas and delivering new ideas.” “We really are a family and I like to run the business that way,” says Cestari. “We pride EMPLOYEES ourselves on honor and integrity, we have a lot One thing that is universal to most companies is of junior [staff], but we also have a lot of senior compensation, and Total Facility Solutions has people that have been in other companies, been a comprehensive profit sharing plan. All team in other jobs, and they’re here because they want members contribute to a project and all share to be here and we spend a lot of time taking care in its success, not just the direct project team. of our people.” Employees act as owners by sharing in the Whether it’s through social events,
“ We really are a family and I like to run the business that way”
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www.swagelok.com/albany
www.fwwebb.com
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total facility solutions supplier profile: albany valve & fitting
Country: USA Est’d Partnership: 1973 Employees: 20 Industry: Microelectronics high purity components Provided Services: > I nstrumentation / Control Valves >www.swagelok.com/albany Visit our Website Cube Rendering GLOBALFOUNDRIES
educational support, or career opportunities, TECHNOLOGY Total Facility Solutions invests time in building Technology that Total Facility Solutions is morale, maintaining integrity and giving its people currently investing includes new ideas in training, more than just a job at the end of the day. welding techniques, software tools, project management, scheduling and design tools. STANDING OUT “We’re investing in a number of new “If you polled our customers, suppliers technologies,” says Cestari. “Some are off the and even our competitors, [they will say] shelf tools and some we’re developing jointly we deliver on what we promise,” Cestari with our suppliers and employees.” comments. “We pride ourselves on integrity in our budget, schedule and in the values EXPANSION that we uphold as individuals. That’s Today, Total Facility Solutions is strictly what defines us and represents a U.S. only company. Currently their us in the marketplace. We are focus on the U.S. is West Coast the biggest challenge proud to say we don’t have a expansion including Arizona, for 2011 is the single customer that hasn’t been California, and Oregon. They expansion into a repeat customer in our short opened an office in Austin, TX europe & the middle east history. For us, that’s a source of and in Raleigh, NC last year. great pride and opportunity.” Their big challenge for 2011 is
2011
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Total Facility Solutions Cleanroom
expansion into Europe and the Middle East. “We take a reasonably cautious approach,” says Cestari when it comes to growth. “When we go to a new area to be a permanent part of the community, we’re not just going there in an opportunistic way looking for projects and customer opportunities. We want to be engaged in charity and support the workforce development in the community. 66
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That’s our model.”
LOOKING AHEAD
“We expect to double in size in terms of revenue,” says Cestari. “We expect to be the employer of choice, but we also expect to be the solution of choice for our customers. In our critical high tech industry we want to be number one.”
total facility solutions
Statistics Name: Total Facility Solutions Country: USA Est: 2003 Employees: 650 Industry: Construction Premiere Service: Specialty contractor / services company focused on critical process infrastructure Revenue: $100-$150 M URL: www.tfs-us.com
Management There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website
CEO: Rick Whitney President: Joe Cestari COO: Tom Land
For feedback and comments please get in touch. > feedback@whitedm.com
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Since 1999, Lots to Gardens has built 15 gardens and green spaces in four diverse neighborhoods in Lewiston
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city of lewiston
The City of Lewiston:
An All-America City Mayor Larry Gilbert Takes His City to New Heights Written by Laura Canter & Produced by Brian Andersen
The City of Lewiston was incorporated in 1863. The City was built by English, Irish, and French-Canadian immigrants, many of whom worked in the textile mills and shoe shops, which fuelled their economy for well over 100 years. As Maine’s second largest city, Lewiston’s population is currently at 36,000, which has declined over the last 30 years, but is projected to rise in the 2010 Census. The demographics have also experienced a transformation with the relocation of some 3,500 Somali refugees over the last ten years. “Over the last 20 years, the City has transformed itself from a largely one dimensional industrial and textile to a very diverse service,” says Larry Gilbert, Mayor. “The light industrial economy includes health care, financial services, telecommunications, logistics, warehousing and distribution, and precision manufacturing and education as the largest sectors of the economy.”
GROWTH
“Infrastructure investment in roads, sewer and water lines will always remain a priority,” Gilbert explains. “Our aging municipal buildings have seen levels of reinvestment they have not seen in
years as the cost of projects have declined given the recent recession.” The City has worked closely with Central Maine Power Company to expand electrical capacity and reliability in the City and region. Two new substations and upgrades to the transmission lines will be built at a cost exceeding $100 million over the next several years at CMP’s cost. One will primarily serve the downtown area; the other will have regional benefits and is being built as part of the Maine Power Reliability Program. The City is also open to mutually beneficial public/private partnerships that result in expanded tax base and job creation. ”In the past the City has often invested in public infrastructure, in the form of structured parking, streetscape improvements or utility upgrades to support private sector investment,” Gilbert adds.
STANDING OUT
Lewiston has distinguished itself as a community that remains on the forefront of economic development, collaborative government and a high level of civic engagement. The City’s collaborative economic development efforts with the City of Auburn have provided their community www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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LAwpca
the city is working on the jointly operated lewiston-auburn water pollution control authority
www.landryfrenchconstruction.com The Water Street Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Storage Project constructed by Sargent Corp
with regional national attention and recognition. “In 2007, our City’s very high level of community service and volunteerism drove the National Civic League’s decision to select our City as an All-America City along with nine other U.S. cities. We were the first Maine city to receive that honor in 40 years,” Gilbert expresses. The City is known for having a streamlined and predictable development review process. The Planning Board and City Council are supportive of economic development. Most projects are approved in one Planning Board meeting. Since 2000, more than half a billion dollars have been invested in the City.
GOING GREEN
The Lewiston Public School system is one of several school systems in Maine enrolled in the 70
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“Efficiency Maine” initiative. The school system was also one of seven in Maine to complete a baseline assessment of their greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Maine Green Schools survey in the Maine Energy Education Program. The work done by the school system has been recognized by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection for its energy improvement and carbon dioxide emission efforts. These efforts include lighting and energy improvements on some 346,000 square feet of school space employing EcoSystem light controls and Quantum total light management systems that have created savings and greater energy awareness for staff and even students. A number of high school students enrolled in the “Electricity Program” at the Lewiston Regional Technical Center assisted with the installation of
city of lewiston
some parts of the lighting projects. Another major sustainable project that Lewiston is working on is the jointly operated LewistonAuburn Water Pollution Control Authority ( L AWPCA) sewage treatment plant. The City will be constructing a $16 million dollar Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr., Mayor anaerobic digester (AD), which will incorporate a co-generation plant, utilizing the methane gas produced by the AD users in the state, and the plant’s budget for plant, to generate approximately 65 percent of electricity is currently over $400,000 per year. the facility’s electricity needs. The plant will be able to accept waste it currently “This will be the first such municipal sewage cannot process and will offer waste disposal plant in the state and the first to generate opportunities that will help reduce costs for local electricity,” says Gilbert. businesses. The waste includes grease, airplane Several notable features of this project de-icing fluid, and hospital generated waste such include being in the top one percent of electricity as post-cleaning alcohol runoff.
“ This will be the first such municipal sewage plant in the state and the first the generate electricity”
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The nature of the biosolids will eliminate the need to add lime to stabilize biosolids for future land spreading. The cogeneration will significantly minimize the need to “burn off” methane that is generated from the AD process reducing methane emissions into the atmosphere.
LOOKING AHEAD
“The City is focusing considerable thought and energy on better capitalizing upon the river and canal system,” Gilbert explains. “They are assets unique to Lewiston that can be better utilized to bring people to play, work and live in the community.” Twenty percent of the $900,000 HUD EDI grant will be used for master planning the 72
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Riverfront Island area; the rest can be used for implementing the plan. The City is also embracing and pursuing the creative economy as part of the City’s development template. “Lewiston is gaining recognition as a vibrant arts community. The increasing number of fine dining restaurants is putting the City on the map as a dining destination,” says Gilbert. The architecture in the downtown area is fabulous and underutilized. Low acquisition costs coupled with Maine adopting the IBC Rehab Code and a generous Historic Preservation Tax Credit program enhance the attractiveness of the downtown area and historic mills for redevelopment. “We will get there by developing a vision,
city of lewiston central main power works with the city to expand electrical capacity and reliability
Statistics Name: City of Lewiston Country: USA Lewiston’s Farwell School; it is one of Lewiston’s newest facilities & opened in the fall of 2007. It is located at 84-110 Farwell Street, Lewiston.
using it to develop a plan, sharing the plan broadly, trumpeting our opportunities and successes, and seeking out and embracing private sector partners who will help move the plan forward,” Gilbert concludes.
Est: 1863 Employees: 345 Industry: Government Premiere Service: Public Safety, Economic Development URL: www.lewistonmaine.gov
Management Mayor: Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr.
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website
City Administrator: Edward A. Barrett Economic Development Director: Lincoln Jeffers
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Hardeeville South Construction supply Branch
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NEW SOUTH CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
New South Construction Supply Values
Employees Above All
New South Construction Supply Stands Apart from Competitors by Offering its Employees Rich Compensation Packages & Strong Benefits Written by Michaela McNamara & Produced by Alexander Hortaridis When Jim Sobeck purchased New South Construction Supply in 2001, he found that an unusually high, 93 percent of its existing customers were happy with the company. “Part of the appeal when I bought New South was that I didn’t have to turn it around. It was a platform I could build on that was already quite successful,” he says. Build on it he did, adding four locations to the existing five in the last nine years. Now distributing from Columbia, Greenville, Hardeeville, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Atlanta, New South has a strong and loyal customer base in the southeast United States. The company distributes over 200 building product lines, with 80 percent of sales being concrete, masonry and waterproofing products.
Keeping Customers Satisfied
New South has had an extreme serviceoriented culture since its inception in 1981—one that Sobeck has continued to propagate under his leadership. “We’ll do whatever it takes to www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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www.green-source.com
www.akrotex.com
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NEW SOUTH CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
3rd Battalion Recruit Barracks
keep customers happy, whether it’s making people, products and markets. He spends most deliveries on nights, weekends or holidays,” of his time recruiting and retaining people, and Sobeck says. his loyal, dependable workforce shows that. In fact, New South offers a service The single biggest employee retention guarantee that if it is more than one hour initiative that New South offers is a rich late with a delivery, the customer receives a compensation plan. “I grew up in this business credit of ten percent off their next purchase. and have learned that when you pay peanuts, It’s rare that the company has to pay out, you get monkeys,” Sobeck says. though, because employees have learned not Last year, three outside salespeople to overpromise or under deliver. Sobeck has earned over $200,000. “We pay a commission found that his customers care less about cost based on gross profit. We don’t pay them the than they do about service. “We care about $200,000; they earned it,” Sobeck says. price, quality and service but of the The company believes that when three, service is what this company you have above average people that at nine are paid above average wages, you is built on,” he says. locations get a lot more than you pay for. “We throughout the get the cream of the crop—people Employee Retention Carolinas and Sobeck believes that when running who work harder and smarter.” Georgia. a business, there are five elements New South’s turnover is almost to be successful: people, people, nonexistent because the company www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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pays more than anyone in the business. Part of employee retention is recognition through offering rewards gift cards, sending baby presents, birthday cards, and attending funerals, among other things. Sobeck also believes in the power of handwritten notes, and recognizing his employees through personal accolades. “When people see you care that much, they think twice about leaving,” he says.
Supply Chain
Last year, New South delivered 52 percent of sales on its own trucks, while the remainder was outsourced to a vendor truck, common carrier or contract hauler. In a down economy, New South has found that it can still do a great job for its customers and leverage its delivery capabilities by using outside delivery sources along with their own trucks. “That allows us to do twice the revenue per branch than if we 78
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delivered it all ourselves,” Sobeck says. In fact, New South is a big proponent of outsourcing and does so for a range of activities from payroll, e-mail hosting, phone systems, billing, and human resources.
Big Believers In Technology
New South is a company that believes in the constant updating of software to remain on the cutting edge of its industry. The company is highly automated and implements stateof-the-ar t, bolt-on software that allows the addition of ancillary programs to make systems more efficient and reduce the amount of staff from eight people to three in the main accounting office. Sobeck’s son, Jimmy, has integrated many of the bolt-on packages, and can write interfaces or custom reports that allow New South to utilize its bolt-on products. Jimmy
NEW SOUTH CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY
the bear in New South’s logo signifies aggressiveness and strength
Statistics Name: New South Construction Supply Country: USA Est: 1981 New South Construction Supply Truck
was able to write a custom net profitability report that showed some of New South’s biggest customers were actually costing them money. “We needed to do business with them differently, otherwise we’d have to stop selling to them. Since they love our service, both parties came up with solutions to continue working together. This wouldn’t have come to light without that report,” Sobeck explains.
Employees: 40 Industry: Construction Premiere Service: Construction supply Revenue: $20 million URL: www.newsouthsupply.com
Management President: Jim Sobeck
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
VP of Purchasing and Operations: David Hodgin CFO: Kurt Herwald Controller, IT Manager: Jimmy Sobeck
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Welch & Rushe, Inc.
Welch and Rushe
reaps immediate revenue increase
by going back to basics
Welch and Rushe (W&R) is a mechanical contracting firm that has been serving the Washington, DC area and beyond since 1966 Written by Mike MacCarthy
Welch & Rushe Prefeb Department
Welch then began meeting weekly with his fellow corporate officers to chart a major new direction for 2010 and the foreseeable future. “We all agreed,” he said, “that the Welch and Rushe path to greater customer satisfaction, growth, and increased profitability had to begin with a transparent commitment by top management to getting more done with less. And those weekly meetings with all company officers for major corporate decisions continue to this day. The bottom line is that within the past 12 months, W&R has realized a projected 30 percent increase in gross revenues.”
The New Path
The first major new step by W& R was to complete and open their 15,000 SF www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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Stromberg Metal www.strombergmetals.com
TBN Associates
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Welch & Rushe, Inc. supplier profile: STROMBER METAL WORKS, INC Country: United States Est’d Partnership: 30+ yr Employees: 350 - 400 Industry: Construction / HVAC Sheet Metal
Stromberg Metal www.strombergmetals.com
Provided Services: >C ommercial and Industrial Sheet Metal Completed Projects: > EEOB , NIH Visitor’s Ctr, USPS, FDA Bldg 1 Ongoing Projects: >M t Weather Dorms, Smithsonian, Mary Switzer II > Visit our Website Eisenhower Executive Office Building Renovation in progress by W&R
supplier profile: TBN Associates/ TRA-Thermatech Country: US Est’d Partnership: 1975 Employees: 185 Industry: Construction Provided Services: >M echanical Insulation/ Asbestos Abatement Completed Projects: >G aylord National at National Harbor, Md. Ongoing Projects: >W alter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, Md.
prefabrication facility located within their Upper Marboro headquarters facility. This new operation would provide a major competitive advantage due to increased production and decreased job costs. “In several cases,” David Welch said, “we could create and manufacture most of the project right inside our own shop and then transport it to the job for assembly and erection. That meant we could eliminate bad weather and on-site materials delays—not to mention the increased coordination efficiencies and lower assembly costs. Some of our projects are in other states and countries.” The next Welch and Rushe new move was to pay off all long-term debt. “Expenditures for large interest payments had to become a thing of the past,” Welch said. “We had to make smarter use of our cash.” W&R also started making essential purchases of equipment www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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www.boland.com
Welch & Rushe, Inc.
FBI Building
and materials at distress auctions. They also began discounting vendor invoices and paying subcontractors early. “That produced two positive and immediate results,” Welch continued, “lower bids from our subs and increased production onsite. The quicker they got their work done correctly, the quicker they got paid.” The third and most unique step along the new W&R path was their major commitment to the Building Information Model (BIM) and its essential supporting and capital intensive software. “BIM was a major turning point for us,” observed David Welch, “and it has produced incredible results.” The BIM process derives its success from the premise that the key to a profitable construction project is a clear and concise understanding between the design team, the
contractor, and the owners. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, BIM breaks down old barriers and bridges communications between all parties, thereby providing consistent and reliable digital and three-dimensional data across the scope and life of the project. Because BIM is an integrated process, it vastly improves inter-project understanding and ensures predictable outcomes. This improved visibility of the project also enables team members to realize optimum coordination, accuracy, waste-reduction, and informed decision-making early and throughout the life of the project—thus enhancing the potential success of the project.
Starting Small, But Always Growing
Welch & Rushe opened its doors 44 years ago in a Maryland suburb of Washington, DC. “My www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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First W&R truck circa 1967 with Welch daughters on board (L to R): Karen, Carol, Mary
CMC Sheet Metal Welch & Rushe - HeadQuarters
father (company co-founder and CEO Linden “Pete” Welch) once told me,” David Welch recalled, “that his first office was in the family attic with laundry strung out on a rope above the desk. I already had three sisters, and I wasn’t even born yet. The company’s very first job was a $ 380 plumbing install in Hyattsville.” The company later moved to offices in Capital Heights where they remained for 20 years. Five years ago, W&R moved to its current facilities where they plan to remain for the foreseeable future. For 2010, they project gross revenues in excess of $65 million. 86
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Welch & Rushe, Inc.
W&R is currently organized into five departments:
• Hospital and Laboratory Facilities • Decorative Fountains for National Memorials and Other Landmarks Construction Department • Data Centers and Computer Rooms Welch and Rushe is a full-service mechanical • Sewage and Water Treatment Facilities construction company that provides clients with a comprehensive range of services including Service Department the design, construction, and maintenance This department handles service for any of all types of mechanical systems. W&R has Commercial type of mechanical system at any successfully completed a wide variety of projects time, anywhere, day or night. including the construction and renovation of: • Commercial and Government Buildings Design/Build Department • Historically-sensitive Buildings A growing component of the company and Monuments includes Design / Build capabilities. W& R www.constructiondigital.com December 2010
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employs qualified engineers to provide documents stand-alone design ser vices or design • E mploying well-rounded coordinators with services as part of a larger construction requisite skills and experience team. By having them involved in the design • Reduction of project costs and delays through phase of the project, overall costs are early planning and coordination reduced significantly from traditional planand-specification style construction. Prefab Department In conjunction with the C oordination CAD/Coordination Department Department’s responsibility for producing One of the newest components of W&R is their coordinated and composite drawings, this Coordination Department. Employing state- department provides engineered production of-the-art CAD hardware and software, this drawings to the W& R prefab shop. This division facilitates the exchange of information department then interprets and produces necessary for creating air-tight and seamless customized components for quick and project planning such as: efficient shipment and/or on-site assembly • H VAC and plumbing shop drawings for and installation. By coordinating projects on coordination with other project trades a timely basis, and managing them individually • C omplete, accurate, and timely coordination based upon specific needs and requirements, drawings the Prefab Depar tment provides an • Interfacing collision detecting software to opportunity to maintain a “hands-on approach” ensure disciplined coordination of all project for any project at all times. 88
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Welch & Rushe, Inc. Welch & Rushe Is a Maryland Corporation with two Stakeholders
Statistics Name: Welch & Rushe, Inc Country: United States Est: 1966 Employees: 164 US Naval Academy
Looking Ahead
One of the basics that has always been a W& R hallmark is the insistence by top management that this company conduct its affairs above all else with honesty and integrity. “That’s something my father instilled in me as soon as I could walk and talk,” David Welch noted with pride, “and that’s one thing that will never change at Welch and Rushe. You can take that to the bank.”
Industry: Mechanical Contractors Premiere Service: Voted in 2007 as one of the top three subcontractors in the entire Washington, DC area Revenue: 2009 (projected) 2010
$50 million $65 million
URL: www.welchandrushe.com
Management There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
CEO: Linden “Pete” Welch Prisedent: David E. Welch Vice President: Larry A. Graves Vice President: Paul M. Dempsey
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Polk Mechanical
Polk Mechanical Company Supports
A Building Lifecycle
Considered a full scale facility building services company, Polk Mechanical’s mission is to accommodate any customer need Written by John T. Connelly & Produced by Alexander N. Hortaridis Polk Mechanical Company provides mechanical services for commercial and industrial facilities that are primarily owner-occupied, such as manufacturing facilities, data centres and hospitals. Operating out of Dallas and Houston, Tex., Polk Mechanical’s unlimited facility lifecycle services also apply to office buildings, warehouses, hotels, restaurants and anywhere there is air conditioning or plumbing needs. Considered a full scale facility services company, Polk Mechanical’s mission is to accommodate any customer need. The Company also has the capabilities to deliver structural steel, concrete, electrical and landscaping services, by outsourcing to reliable subcontractors. “It’s all built around trying to assist the customer wherever we can to get his work done,” says Ken Polk, President. “We are improving and expanding our ability to prefabricate our piping www.constructiondigital.com December2010
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mailto:eric@premier-insulation.com
plumbing and medical gas systems. We are always trying to improve our workforce.”
hours a day for their critical systems.
Nuts and Bolts
Polk Mechanical employs a range of skilled tradesmen, such as sheet metal workers, welders, pipefitters, plumbers and service technicians. Finding qualified people can be a challenge, even in an employers’ market. The Company offers a standard benefits package, including health care, 401K, vacation and holidays to attract the type of workers Polk has to attract. The long-term benefits and career advancement lie solely with the individual and their commitment to their trade. “Career advancement is one of those ‘easy say hard do’ things because the business is dependant on the employee’s skills and how they develop,” says Polk.
Ken Polk is an industry veteran who purchased a 20 plus year old company to create Polk Mechanical Company in 2003. Prior to his acquisition, Polk served as the vice president of operation of Ivey Mechanical, and oversaw the consolidation of 18 companies in the southeastern U.S. Polk uses his 40 years of experience in the mechanical contracting industry to adeptly guide the 500 employee-strong Company that generates roughly $57 million in revenue. Today, Polk Mechanical is the go to partner in the lifecycle of any facility. Building owners, developers and organizations from Fortune 500 companies to individual owners count on Polk Mechanical 24 92
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Polk People
Polk Mechanical
“ It’s all built around trying to assist the customer wherever we can to get his work done”
“Also, having the opportunity for them to continue on a track can be difficult because while someone may be ready and capable, the work may not be present. That said, we rely on those people and want their careers Ken Polk, President to progress based on the effort they are willing to apply.” Polk is always trying to improve as an industry, is that we can employ a core group of people and and that requires the development of all levels in utilize the labor in the temporary workforce without the workforce. Polk Mechanical anticipates finding much of a drop off in quality.” qualified workers and continual development to be an omnipresent challenge. Tools for Success “It’s a quantitative and qualitative deal,” says When the work is present and the qualified individuPolk. als are in place, Polk Mechanical has an obligation “Can you find the quantity of qualified people to equipment the employees with the tools necesyou want to do your work? The work comes and sary to successfully complete the job. goes so it’s a variable workforce. What we’ve found To remain flexible and light, Polk Mechanical www.constructiondigital.com December2010
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keeps a light capital sheet. The Company strategically rents or outsources equipment specifically needed for individual jobs. Since the work is so varied, it makes no sense to make major capital investments, such as cranes, forklifts and welding machines that sit unused and depreciate. “We don’t try to own everything we use because it’s one of those things where you never have the right amount,” says Polk. “Either you have too many or too few. We choose to have a minimum supply of those things and then rent what we need as our work ebbs and flows. We turnover our service trucks to keep the fleet current. We are also looking at improvements in the fabrication facility.” Whatever tools Polk people need, Polk supplies. The Company always has variables in its jobs, and this approach allows the Company to 94
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address those variables.
Sound Maintenance
Polk Mechanical, like many companies across the US, has had to weather the economic storm caused by the global financial crisis. As buildings reduced maintenance and retrofitting costs, Polk Mechanical noticed a slide in business. Month by month, though, facilities are beginning to expand for better capacity and improvements. As such, Polk Mechanical sees a positive future but will grow responsibly and cautiously. The Company will provide qualified support and deploy its skilled force with an emphasis on superior customer service relations. “We pride ourselves on our level of service, integrity and treating people fairly, whether it is vendor, employee or owner,” says Polk.
Polk Mechanical Ken Polk has
40 years
of experience in mechanical contracting
Statistics Name: Polk Mechanical Company Country: USA Est: 2003 Employees: 500 Industry: Construction Premiere Service: Building Lifecycle Services Ken Polk, President
“We try to do the right thing for no other reason than it is the right thing. We’re not perfect, but we always try to provide a level of service people view as better than our competitor. Differentiation in our business is a very nebulous thing to get your arms around, but you still can be different.” Nevertheless, Polk Mechanical is built to last.
There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
Revenue: $57 million URL: www.polkmechanical.com
Management President: Ken Polk COO: Frank McCann Vice President, Manager: DFW Service Group-Bob Pruden Vice President, Group Manager Houston Projects: Bryan Thomas Vice President of DFW Construction: Yancey Jones
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Therrien Waddell Construction
Therrien Waddell Construction
stays afloat during the recession
Therrien Waddell Construction maintains relationships with staff, customers and clients to maintain a positive reputation Written by Nadia Ibanez & Produced by Rich Gentile Therrien Waddell has been serving the construction and development project needs throughout the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan areas, including projects in North Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland. The full service commercial general contractor business provides general contractor, construction management and design build services. Principals Jerry Therrien and Donnie Waddell have been working together for more than 35 years to perfect the business and its operations and became sole owners in 2005. Their partnership began in the 1970s when they worked together for a local development & construction firm. Using this background as a foundation, the duo has maintained their long-lasting reputation for quality, integrity, teamwork and commitment to a variety of businesses and construction projects.
successful with many projects. “We manage and run our company based on our long-term relationship and experience throughout the years,” Therrien says. “I met Donnie after college and we worked as a team on numerous projects together. From that point on, we progressed through the ranks, while gathering increasing levels of responsibility, positions and titles.” Therrien runs the office administration, while Waddell acts as the Production manager coordinating field and office operations. “He and I have worked together for so long that it makes for a good team,” Waddell says. “In addition, we know each others moves and are able to hire the right people for the right positions. Fifty percent of our staff have been with us for over 6 years and a number of those have 15-18 years tenure.” Maintaining business relationships doesn’t MAINTAINING stop with the management team, but also infiltrates RELATIONSHIPS the company’s supply chain. When the company Over the years, Therrien and Waddell have been started to feel the wrath of the economic turn, www.constructiondigital.com December2010
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www.mandersdecorating.com
Audi Dealership: 35,000SF new car dealership
Therrien Waddell began an initiative to manage their relationships with their subcontractors. “We realized that our subcontractors were our lifeblood and one of the most important assets that we needed to cultivate,” Therrien says. “We initiated an outreach to subcontractors to make sure they knew who were and to get them on our bid lists. We look for the most competitive and qualified subcontractors in this economy who share our sense of team.” “We’re really a relation-based company, not the classical hard bid, get your percentage of the industry type of company,” he says. “We strongly believe in working cooperatively and our relationships with all parties are paramount.” Additionally, the company puts much attention on hiring the right key players in a lean and effective way. “When it comes to our employees, we look for attitude 98
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almost more than a person’s experience,” Waddell says. “Our employees realize that a customer is always first and we go the extra mile for them – especially when things become very challenging.”
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
Since both Therrien and Waddell have 35 plus years in the industry, they’ve been able to see technological advancements in the construction field first hand. “Our industry changes so quickly,” Therrien says. “When I first got into the industry, we didn’t use calculators on the job and today, we can’t even imagine doing work without using a computer. Today, we use technology to manage and control our projects and we continue to stay on the forefront of technology. From using sophisticated accounting software and scheduling programs, to reviewing
Therrien Waddell Construction
construction documents online, we’re seeing that our paper-intense industry is making the shift to be more electronic. We communicate more and more with clients and design consultants digitally and review documents in 3D frequently.” Therrien also says that their company used to print reams and reams of paper drawings to solicit construction bids and now the company receives and provides subcontractors CDs or emails plans and PDFs to seek trade proposals.
STAYING AFLOAT WITH THE ECONOMY
The economy has been especially difficult for the construction business, but Therrien Waddell has managed to maintain its reputation throughout the last few years by pursuing a greater variety of work. The company was in a good cash position before
economy crashed and they went into the recession with high hopes to sustain themselves through it. “The economy is causing us to go into more types of work,” Waddell says. “We’re considering and performing projects that are stretching our experience and boundaries more now than we had to before the recession. We are working on government contracts, senior living, and on multifamily renovation projects. We have broadened our construction management consulting services and focused on a green initiative to land LEED projects. The recession has definitely spurred us to be more flexible at performing a variety of projects.” The company has also maintained relationships with their customers and clients, including significant portfolio companies such as JBG Rosenfeld Retail, McCaffrey Interest Developers and McShea Management Company. www.constructiondigital.com December2010
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“Before the economy turned, our company grew 18-20 percent per year,” Therrien says. “When the economy starts to level out again and funding is released and owners are less hesitant to invest in projects, we want to seek that 20 percent type of growth –not in the current cut throat climate, but by re-establishing relationships once again. Part of the frustration is that this tight economy drives owners to repeatedly seek low bids, requiring contractors to scratch and claw for business, and that’s not what we’re about. We like to work with businesses to help them succeed. We love projects 100
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with a purpose that benefit the environment and contribute to our community and to be successful in partnering relationships.” “As the economy deteriorated, we didn’t just sit back and wait for it to get better,” Therrien says. “We invested in trying to improve our selves and get our name out in the market. We hosted workshops and promoted LEED training, our executives joined chambers of commerce and we joined networking groups; we became more active in industry associations. We learned to invest in ourselves to be successful. We believe
Therrien Waddell Construction Terrine and Waddell have
+35 years in the industry
L-R: Dan Coffey, Vice President of Business Development; Donnie Waddell, Principal; Jerry Therrien, Principal
Statistics Name: Therrien Waddell Country: USA Est: 1972 Employees: 20 Industry: Construction Premiere Service: Construction management
that this is what you have to do to succeed and grow in the coming years.�
URL: www.therrienwaddell.com
Management There are more company reports available to read > Visit Website For feedback and comments please get in touch.
Principal: Jerry Therrien Principal: Donnie Waddell Vice President of Business Development: Dan Coffey
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